SELF-PERCEIVED HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FUNCTION ARE ASSOCIATED WITH BODY COMPOSITION AND BLOOD LIPIDS

Abstract

Clinical indicators of health status such as body composition, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness are objective; however, self-perceived health may be influenced by multiple factors. Thus, the PURPOSE of the present study was to explore associations among objective measures of health, self-perceived health, and habitual physical activity in overweight, older adults. METHODS: In 35 (27 F/8 M) overweight (body mass index, BMI≥ 27 kg/m2), older adults (>58 years) we assessed blood lipids (point-of-care analyzer); body composition (bioelectrical impedance); habitual physical activity (7-day accelerometry); cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max); and self-perceived health (36-item short form survey, SF-36). The SF-36 includes questions that assess eight health concepts including perceptions of physical function and general health. Scores for each concept can range from 0% (poor) to 100% (excellent). Associations were assessed utilizing partial correlations (controlling for age and sex). Significance was set to p< 0.05. RESULTS: Average values for these subjects included: age: 64±5y; SF-36 (general health): 63±14%; SF-36 (physical function): 77±16%; BMI: 35±5 kg/m2; body fat percentage: 44.7±0.1%; VO2max: 16±3 ml/kg/min; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): 47±23 min/day, LDL cholesterol: 105±27 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol: 49±11 mg/dL, triglycerides: 113±40 mg/dL, and glucose: 100±15 mg/dL. Self-perceived physical function was significantly (p< 0.05) correlated with indices of body composition and blood lipids [body fat percentage (r= -0.39), visceral fat area (r= -0.42), and LDL cholesterol (r= -0.51)], but not habitual MVPA. Self-perceived general health was significantly correlated with LDL/HDL (r= -0.60), but not indices of body composition or physical activity level. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that perception of general health and physical function are more closely related to indices of body composition and blood lipids than habitual physical activity level.